10 fall sports essentials for student

Academy Sports has everything student-athletes need for the fall season.

Updated August 7, 2023

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The late summer months are the time to get kids prepped to go back to school. Aside from the usual school supplies, back-to-school outfits, and uniforms, young athletes also need to make sure they have all of the sports gear they need to be prepared for the fall season.

Academy Sports has tons of top-rated sports equipment at competitive prices, whether they play football, basketball, volleyball, or soccer. Keep reading to see essentials every young athlete needs for fall sports this year.

These football cleats provide lasting support every football player needs.

A durable pair of cleats is essential for any football player and the Nike Boys’ Alpha Menace 3 Shark BG Football Cleats don’t disappoint. They’re made with synthetic leather uppers that provide durability and comfort, while the front of the cleats feature molded details that offer additional strength and allow for longer wear. The sides even have containment layers with wings that give a more secure and supportive fit. The cleats are available in four colors in sizes 1 to 13.

$40 at Academy Sports

These Nike basketball kicks are both stylish and flexible for continuous movement.

If she’s planning on playing basketball this fall, then she’ll need a reliable pair of sneakers to get her through every game. The Nike Girls’ Court Borough Mid 2 Shoes are extremely durable, while the soles have grooves that provide much-needed flexibility. They have extra padding around the tongue and ankle for additional comfort, and the traditional laces offer a more secure fit. The shoes are available in three colors in sizes 3.5 to 7.

From $62 at Academy Sports

Keep your little soccer player protected with these shin guards.

Safety is important in sports, especially for kids, so these Brava Soccer Package Soccer Shin Guards are a must for young soccer players. They’re extremely durable and made of EVA padding (a soft, resilient foam rubber) to protect shins from impact. There’s an attached ankle guard for additional protection along with an elastic hook and loop strap for an adjustable fit. The shin guards come in four colors in sizes XXS to Medium.

From $7 at Academy Sports

This duffel bag is the ultimate sports bag for any athlete.

No matter the sport, every athlete needs a high-quality bag to carry all of their gear. The Adidas Defender IV Small Duffel Bag is very durable and offers a lot of space for shoes, sports uniforms, and more. It features smaller zip-up pockets to store smaller items and padded shoulder straps and haul handles for optimal comfort.

From $26 at Academy Sports

Spike the ball in comfort with these Nike spandex shorts.

A flexible and comfortable pair of spandex shorts are essential for volleyball or layering under field hockey skirts, and the Nike Women’s 3-inch Pro 365 Shorts are a great pick. They’re made with Dri-FIT technology that absorbs sweat and dries quickly and the fabric is a polyester/spandex blend for durability and flexibility. The shorts also feature a wide, mid-rise elastic waistband for core support. They’re available in three colors in sizes XS to XL.

$24 at Academy Sports

Stay hydrated during intense workouts with a Nike water bottle.

They’ll need a high-quality water bottle to stay hydrated during gameplay, especially in the heat. The Nike Hyperfuel 24-ounce Water Bottle is the perfect option for easy sipping during intense workouts. The squeeze design is ideal for quick water breaks during practice and games to refuel and re-energize.

$12 at Academy Sports

These cheer shoes provide optimal comfort for every stunt.

If you’re shopping for a cheerleader, then you should check out the BCG Women’s Cheer Tumbler 2.0 Shoes, which are great for high schoolers or college students. They have foam collars and tongues that provide padding, making them comfortable for running and performing stunts. The EVA insoles also offer added comfort, and the lace closures allow the shoes to be adjusted to better fit your child’s foot. They’re available in sizes 6 through 10.

$30 at Academy Sports

Keep their head protected with a Riddell Youth helmet.

No football uniform is complete without a sturdy helmet to protect your child’s head and withstand hard impacts. The Riddell Youth SpeedFlex Football Helmet is designed with the Flex system, so it’s specifically engineered to reduce the force of impact on the head by flexing to absorb hits. It’s made with a Tru-Curve liner system and a 4-point inflation system that provide both protection and comfort. It’s also ventilated to increase breathability. The helmet comes in both black and white in sizes small to XL.

$440 at Academy Sports

These Nikes provide top-notch support during basketball season.

The Nike Adult KD Trey 5 X Basketball Shoes are the perfect pair of sneakers for any basketball player. They have lightweight uppers that make movement a breeze and midfoot straps that provide additional support while locking the feet in place. They also feature padded collars that give extra comfort, while the reinforced toes offer extra durability. The shoes are both black and green in sizes 4.5 to 14.

$95 at Academy Sports

These Brava cleats are a must for any young soccer player.

Cleats will provide the traction they need on the field, and the Brava Soccer Girls’ Exempt 2.0 Soccer Cleats are the perfect pair for young players. They have man-made uppers that provide durability and EVA insoles that make them super comfortable. They also have TPU outsoles (which stands for Thermoplastic Polyurethane, a type of sole that easily models to the foot), to provide a snug, secure fit. The cleats come in a fun multicolored design in sizes 1 to 13.

$25 at Academy Sports

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.